Research Technician (Sullivan/Ancalade)

Mondy-Friday 8:00AM-5:00PM, On-site

To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The UNC School of Medicine has a rich tradition of excellence and care. Our mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of North Carolinians, and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education, and research. We strive to promote faculty, staff, and learner development in a diverse, respectful environment where our colleagues demonstrate professionalism, enhance learning, and create personal and professional sustainability. We optimize our partnership with the UNC Health System through close collaboration and commitment to service.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to be the nation's leading public school of medicine. We are ranked 2nd in primary care education among all US schools of medicine and 5th among public peers in NIH research funding. Our Allied Health Department is home to five top-ranked divisions, and we are home to 18 top-ranked clinical and basic science departments in NIH research funding.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education, and research.
Patient Care: We will promote health and provide superb clinical care while maintaining our strong tradition of reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond.
Education: We will prepare tomorrow's health care professionals and biomedical researchers by facilitating learning within innovative curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education. We will cultivate outstanding teaching and research faculty, and we will recruit outstanding students and trainees from highly diverse backgrounds to create a socially responsible, highly skilled workforce.
Research: We will develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers, and resources. We will provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our University to support outstanding research. We will foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic, and population research.

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as Research Technician in the laboratory of Dr. Patrick Sullivan in UNC SOM Genetics department. The Sullivan lab studies human genetics of psychiatric disorders. The Research Technician will perform bench research using molecular and cellular biology approaches to test the molecular and biological consequences of human genetic variants associated with common, complex traits. The selected candidate will work with postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, undergraduate students, and other researchers. Occasionally the technician will train individuals in established protocols. Also, the employee will be responsible for the maintenance of a safe and efficient laboratory environment. Other duties will include the following: molecular genetic assays, and analyses such as PCR, cloning using bacterial and viral vectors, mutagenesis, genome editing, measurement of RNA and protein levels, mammalian cell culture, tissue processing, sequencing library preparation, chromatin analysis, and basic statistical analyses.

This person will dedicate most of their time to assisting the faculty and laboratory research team with molecular biology and genetics research including DNA and RNA isolation and purification, DNA amplification, various functional genomics assays, and library preparation for high-throughput sequencing, as well as animal handling, including mouse tissue dissections. The individual will also assist in organizing the lab as well as ordering reagents, supplies, and equipment maintenance. Additional duties as assigned.

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Visual Attention, Mental Concentration and Manipulative Skills: This position is demanding, requiring extreme attention to experimental details. The research technician must maintain the mental concentration required to perform these experiments successfully. The employee must always be alert and well organized. The research technician must be capable of micro-pipetting, preparation and loading of electrophoretic gels, and working at the lab bench for several hours at a time, all of which requires intense visual attention, concentration, and skill. Together with the supervisor and senior laboratory personnel, the research technician will contribute to maintenance of a safe lab environment.

Machines, Tools, Instruments, Equipment and Materials Used: The research technician must be capable of safely and properly operating basic laboratory equipment including centrifuges, pH meters, analytical balances, micropipettes, microscopes, spectrophotometers/luminometers, electrophoresis chambers, water baths, autoclaves, freezers, refrigerators, tissue culture incubators, air tanks and computers. The employee will assist in the maintenance of this equipment.

Experimental Design and Interpretation of Data: The position requires flexibility to learn modern approaches in molecular biology. The research technician must be capable of working with research staff to utilize basic human genetic principles and resources for analyzing preliminary experimental results. Demonstrated ability to conduct experiments and/or procedures following standard protocols and to maintain appropriate documentation of research results, the capability to recommend revisions to experimental methods based upon observations, and the ability to assist in preparation of research findings for publication are also required skills.

Laboratory Management: The position requires an ability to help maintain laboratory resources including supplies, chemicals, reagents, equipment, and facilities and an ability to train others in laboratory techniques and the use of laboratory equipment.

Strong academic background in genetics, genomics and/or cell biology with previous laboratory experience. Ability to simultaneously perform experiments, participate in lab maintenance functions such as ordering supplies, and communicate with lab supervisor. Methodical approach to data and sample organization. Major responsibilities will require an understanding of human genetic principles and aptitude for the basic bioinformatic, molecular, and genetic procedures essential to carrying out a supervised research project using human samples, mammalian cells, bacteria, and viruses. Ability to understand the safe use of centrifuges, spectrophotometers/luminometers, pH meters, air tanks, and fluorescent microscopes.

The physical effort involved in the position is the ability to move supplies and equipment (up to 30 pounds) with or without accommodation. In addition, the Research Technician must be capable of repeated micropipetting and working at the lab bench for several hours at a time with or without accommodation.

This employee is expected to work with organic chemicals (in the fume hood as required by lab safety standards). In addition, the research technician must be able to work with bacteria and yeast that contain recombinant DNA.

Not Applicable.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.